June 2021--Did you ever meet someone who has had a big effect on your life? Maybe it’s a longtime friend, a family member, a coworker, caretaker or someone you met just once.
In my case, it’s all of the above, but right now I’d like to talk about a person I’ve met only once. He’s an accomplished author who came to Moraine Valley about 11 or so years ago to speak in the library about the book he had just published. I was excited to attend his session. After all, I’m all about writing and in addition to reading pieces of work published by good writers, I love to listen to good writers speak. If they’re good storytellers on paper, they’re usually good storytellers in person. And who doesn’t like a good story.
His name is Gary Moore. I purchased his book ("Playing with the Enemy") and he graciously signed it for me. A book I treasure today. A book that had me from the start. It is about a family member (his father) who could have played professional baseball but was instead drafted into the service. Stationed in Germany, he was tasked with guarding prisoners and used that time to teach them the game of baseball. That was, after all his passion. It is a great book and if you haven’t read it, I encourage you to do so.
Some time had passed when Gary and I connected on Facebook. We had some wonderful conversations about many different topics. I also started reading the columns he wrote for a local newspaper. He was so engaging—so genuine and just an all-around nice guy. He is a very talented writer who has such a gift. I also could tell he was a true people person—judging by our conversations and judging by those who over the years have commented on his Facebook page. I felt honored that we could call each other friends. We had a lot in common. We thought the same way about a lot of things.
We also shared our journey with cancer. We both were going through some rough periods with treatments and it was comforting to me to hear his words of courage—even if they were not in person, but rather through our messaging. He turned into a big inspiration for me. It was his positivity that had such an impact. I learned to not feel sorry for myself—but rather to look at the bright side of each and every step of this journey.
We both battled through and we both came out on top. And then we both got hit with reoccurrences. Mine not as bad as his, as I no longer needed chemotherapy to kill off this dreaded disease and instead wiped it clean with radiation.
Gary wasn’t so lucky. His came back with a vengeance. No matter how hard it tried to knock him down, he kept his faith and fought back harder. Truly an inspiration.
Gary is losing that battle now. But as he puts it, as long as he’s breathing, he’s not going to stop fighting. Every time the doctors said this was it—he pushed back and kept going. They said a year. He made it to two. They said a few months. He made it more. And now, he has been given 10 days to live. Today makes 14 days. He’s still fighting. He’s still a huge inspiration to so many.
I think a lot about Gary and what he has been going through. I continue to pray for him and for his family—that they have the strength to get through this. He is someone I wish I had been able to get to know better. He inspired me to keep pushing—fighting back and to stay positive. I’d like to think I’ve always been a positive person—but when it came to my health—well, the credit for my positivity goes to Gary. His cancer was worse than mine—and he remained light-hearted and encouraging. He also said prayers for me. Whoa….what he was going through, yet took the time to include so many others in his prayers—and even me, someone he only knew online.
I know there are so many, so very many, who are going to miss his radiant smile, his words of wisdom, his laughter, his companionship. I am going to miss our messenger conversations. But I know Gary is going to be fine—he’s ready for the next journey and he is at peace with knowing what is in store for him next.
The world isn’t losing a wonderful human being who is a talented writer—it’s gaining a spirit that will continue to live on in so many people—including me.
<July 14, 2021. Gary lost his battle with cancer and was called home.>
Remember to always take it one day at a time...
Comments
UnknownJune 22, 2021 at 1:03 PM
Beautifully written. Praying for Gary to beat the odds again.
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One Day in a TimeJune 22, 2021 at 1:13 PM
Thank you for the kind words. And thanks for the prayers for Gary....he is most deserving.
PattiJune 22, 2021 at 1:51 PM
Jodi, i agree that this is one of the great benefits of social media, to connect with a stranger and know that you are friends, and to be able to share a piece of yourself.. Praying for comfort to all..
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One Day in a TimeJune 22, 2021 at 2:37 PM
Yes, Patti, you're right! Social media in many instances can be damaging and in this instance, it's more healing. Prayers of comfort are perfect for this scenario. Thank you.
MargaretJune 22, 2021 at 6:57 PM
You, too, are an inspiration, Jodi. I am sure you have been a great comfort to Gary, too. I will pray for him.
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One Day in a TimeJune 22, 2021 at 9:50 PM
Thank you for the kind words. And, for saying prayers for him. He seems to be truly at peace.
UnknownJune 24, 2021 at 10:05 PM
This is beautiful and poignant. It is another example of how paths cross seemingly by chance but not really. There is divine intervention and a grand plan to everything. And, thanks in part to you, his legacy has touched and will continue to touch more of us.
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One Day in a TimeJune 24, 2021 at 10:19 PM
Thank you for putting this into a new perspective. I really didn't look at it that way and I should have. There is a grand plan and if this included more people being touched by Gary's journey and inspired by his courage, then the plan is working. Thank you!
Comments